Stock market today, July 31 -- Benchmark indices, the Sensex and the Nifty 50, extended their gains for a second straight session on Thursday, July 30, supported by buying in heavyweight stocks such as Reliance, HDFC Bank, and Mahindra and Mahindra. However, broader markets came under pressure after the US Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged while indicating that rate cuts could begin as early as September.

The Sensex climbed 274 points, or 0.35%, to close at 77,928, while the Nifty 50 gained 67 points, or 0.28%, to settle at 24,317.

"Markets traded in a volatile yet narrow range and settled marginally higher amid mixed cues. After a flat start, the Nifty traded within a narrow range for most of the session. However, buying in...